A Sense Of Belonging: One Family’s Journey From Japan into a Truly International School Community

Moving countries with children is never just about logistics; it is equally emotional and about building resilience. For families arriving in Singapore and navigating the international school system, the question is MORE than which school has the best facilities or which curriculum is most suitable. It’s far more personal: Will my child be understood? Will they feel a sense of belonging?

For Ms. Yukako Nunokawa, a mother of three who relocated to Singapore from Japan, those questions loomed large when her family first arrived. Her eldest son was about to start Grade 1 and spoke only Japanese. Purely English as a medium of education felt daunting. What the family needed was not just an academic programme, but a school willing to meet their children where they were, and help them shape what comes next.

That search led them to XCL World Academy.

For Yukako, the campus was a draw: spacious, modern, thoughtfully designed, yet also calm, well-maintained, and purpose-built for learning. However, what ultimately clarified the decision was not the architecture and facilities. It was the people.

From the outset, the warmth of the teachers and staff was unmistakable. Flexible language support programmes and a one-of-a-kind bilingual programme ensured Yukako’s eldest son didn’t just cope, he thrived. Two years on, he is confidently navigating three languages: English, Japanese and Chinese. That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens in environments that value resilience and effort over perfection.

Her second son joined more recently, transferring from a Japanese kindergarten into a fully English-speaking environment. Again, the transition was handled with care. Teachers used gestures, visual cues and patience to support communication. The result? A child who goes to school happily each day, growing in confidence and capability.

The environment has benefited more than the children.

For many expat parents, particularly those who are not fluent in English, international schools can feel intimidating. Yukako admits she was nervous at first. XCL World Academy’s Japanese liaison teachers made all the difference, offering reassurance, clarity and genuine partnership. Beyond that, the school actively encourages parental involvement through language classes, fitness sessions and community activities; she is grateful for how the community is built.

Today, Yukako counts friends from many nationalities. It’s a reminder that international education, at its best, is as much about families as it is about students.

Leadership plays a quiet but decisive role in shaping this culture. The positivity and openness modelled by school leaders like Mrs Tammy Murphy and Mrs Maria Sweeney set the tone.

"When you see your child being welcomed by happy, passionate teachers, you naturally feel that they too must be enjoying their time at school."

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One event captures this spirit perfectly, she remarks: “Language Week is part festival, part cultural exchange; it brings families together across ages and nationalities. Food, games, stories and laughter flow freely, and itis joyful, inclusive. There’s such a strong sense of connection that goes beyond countries and grade levels”.

What stands out most, though, is how the school celebrates courage. Not just excellence, but trying. In contrast to systems that spotlight only high achievers, XCL World Academy normalises diversity of ability, background and ambition. Children are encouraged to share their ideas. Teachers listen, and often those ideas even shape classroom activities. She now believes that’ show you build future-ready learners: by teaching them that their voices matter.

Although Yukako hasn’t experienced every international school in Singapore, she has discovered one where her children feel supported, challenged, and encouraged — and where her family has found its footing. In a city full of excellent school options, that sense of reassurance, belonging, and shared purpose towards future readiness is what truly distinguishes XCL World Academy from the rest.

Finding a school isn’t just about facilities or curriculum, it’s about the people, the community, and the sense of belonging your child will feel every day. At XCL World Academy, students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow as confident, future-ready learners.

Discover how your child could thrive at XWA: explore our Early Years programme or book a campus tour to experience our welcoming community firsthand.